US Embassy praises independence of Georgia’s judiciary

The judicial system of Georgia has the opportunity to be independent which is an integral part of any healthy democratic system, says the United States Embassy in Georgia.

Last night the US Embassy released a statement regarding former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava’s release from prison.

"We are closely watching the progress of former Mayor Gigi Ugulava’s case”, the statement read.

"The right to appeal a decision is an important part of any democratic judicial system. The Court of Appeals assessed the evidence and enabled the parties to present their legal arguments.”

The Embassy declined to asses the court’s judgement regarding Ugulava’s release, but did say this step shows the judiciary enjoys independence in the country.

"As for the relevance of the court judgement, commenting on that issue would be inappropriate from our side.”

Ugulava was released from prison yesterday around 6:30 PM after Tbilisi Court of Appeals reduced his sentence, effectively ending his prison term.

Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office promised to appeal the decision.